The car ride from Rishikesh to Agra took us through some of the poorest parts of India. It was about a ten hour drive going through one village after another which looked pretty much the same.
And then there was the magnificent Taj Mahal- one of the Wonders of the World – a Mughal architecture which combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Turkish and Indian styles of buildings.
This ivory-white marble mausoleum was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to her fourteenth child. It was built by the Shah after Mumtaz’ death in 1651 as an expression of eternal love for his favorite queen.
When the Shah met Mumtaz Mahal it was love at first sight. The name Taj, meaning “crown” is of Hindi and Sanskrit origin. Mahal, meaning “love” is of Japanese origin. Thus, one can say that The Taj Mahal is the crowning symbol of love.
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Carol Balawyder 
I love it that you went through parts of the real India, Carol, on your way to Agra. I think that’s how one gets to know a country. If you only see the tourist places, I think you miss too much. That said, Agra and the Taj Mahal look so beautiful in the ‘photos and videos I’ve seen (I’ve never been there, although I would like to go some time).
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It was difficult to have to witness all this poverty for miles and miles and then the contrast of the incredibly rich Taj Mahal. But that’s really India. I hope that someday (when the world is back in business) that you will get to go to India. Of all countries I’ve visited this is the one that is most different. 🙂
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To see the Taj Mahal would be so awesome.
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Awesome is a good word for the Taj Mahal, Darlene. Might be a setting for a future novel of yours! ❤
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I’ll keep that in mind. xo
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A wonderful post
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Thank you. So kind of you to say. ❤
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Wow, wonderful description.
Do read my pathbreaking articles with over 300000 views in 200 countries. The article is in two parts:
https://insightful.co.in/2020/04/19/world-war-iii-has-begun-and-we-are-unaware/
https://insightful.co.in/2020/04/28/beware-the-war-is-getting-uglier/
Warm regards.
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Thank you for your kind words. Your links are truly insightful!
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That is an amazing structure! Is it really that white and clean?
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It is that white and clean. In 2018 it underwent a cleaning. Its first deep cleaning since it was built in the 17th century and it aims to reduce greenhouse gases to keep pollution down. Thanks for your question, Anneli. It made me learn something about the Taj. 🙂
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Sure is beautiful.
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I was so disappointed to be underwhelmed by the Taj Mahal. I have no explanation as to why, that’s just the way it was for me.
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Sometimes our expectations are so high that they bring disappointment. But there are so many other beautiful buildings in the world. For example, Austria has some very awesome Otto Wagner architecture. Keep well ❤
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Breathtaking building. The same can be said, in a different context, of the poor neighborhoods. Both pull at the heartstrings. Thank you for sharing these photos.
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Thank you for commenting. I appreciate your presence here. I’m glad that you picked up on the contrast between the rich and the poor. This contrast is very remarkable in India.
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Two striking contrasts, here, Carol, and very interesting info, including the links. Your photo of the Taj Mahal is terrific.
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Thanks for your comment, Jet. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful day. 🙂
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Hi Carol, I haven’t been to the Taj even though I am an Indian. Kudos for experiencing the hinterland and putting up posts on different parts of India. Thanks and much appreciated for sharing
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I just read your post on you wondering if you would have enough topics to write posts about. You can always write about your India. India is such a large, diverse and fascinating country. I love reading about India and books with settings in India. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. ❤
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I second your opinion Carol and I am happy about what you think about my country. Just in case I fall short on topics, I’ll get in touch. Much appreciated for your input
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